U.S. patent application number 12/689200 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for service for providing an interactive, personalized radio network.
Invention is credited to Rabih Salem Ballout.
Application Number | 20110178874 12/689200 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44278217 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110178874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ballout; Rabih Salem |
July 21, 2011 |
Service for Providing an Interactive, Personalized Radio
Network
Abstract
An interactive radio network enables users to interact with the
content of a radio broadcast, including commercials or messages,
and to selectively save, store, review, fast forward, rewind,
pause, forward, and respond to the radio programs and/or the
commercials. The interactive radio network provides a widespread,
international, and economical access to the radio stations, and
reduces the need for advertisement billboards. It provides the
users with an opportunity to selectively inquire about the products
or services being advertised. Furthermore, the interactive radio
network allows the users as well as various sectors of the
advertisement industry to interact with the content of the radio
broadcast. The advertisements are no longer limited to audio
messages, but can further include elaborate video, text, and data
information. The interactive radio network enables the users to
communicate and interact with each others, based on the broadcast
content. It also provides a widely accessible and affordable avenue
for mass marketing and broadcasting of commercials to mobile
users.
Inventors: |
Ballout; Rabih Salem;
(Burlingame, CA) |
Family ID: |
44278217 |
Appl. No.: |
12/689200 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.55 ;
705/14.4; 705/14.69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0273 20130101;
G06Q 30/00 20130101; G06Q 30/0257 20130101; G06Q 10/00 20130101;
G06Q 30/0241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.55 ;
705/14.4; 705/14.69 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A service for using an interactive radio network, comprising:
selectively interconnecting at least some of: a plurality of user
stations, a plurality of broadcasting stations, a plurality of
advertisers, a plurality of marketers, a plurality of payment
centers to a broadcasting for advertisement, DBA, system; at least
some of the advertisers subscribing for a selective broadcast of at
least one visual advertisement to at least some of the plurality of
user stations; and said at least some of the plurality of user
stations receiving said at least one visual advertisement.
2. The service of claim 1, wherein said at least one visual
advertisement is broadcast concurrently with a broadcast
program.
3. The service of claim 2, wherein said at least some of the
plurality of user stations include a record function for enabling a
selective recording of any one or more of said at least one visual
advertisement and the broadcast program.
4. The service of claim 3, wherein said selective recording
includes selectively recording any one of: recording said at least
one visual advertisement independently from the broadcast program;
recording the broadcast program independently from said at least
one visual advertisement; and recording said at least one visual
advertisement concurrently with the broadcast program.
5. The service of claim 4, wherein said at least some of the
plurality of user stations include a playback function for enabling
a selective playback of any of said recorded at least one visual
advertisement and broadcast program.
6. The service of claim 4, wherein said at least some of the
plurality of user stations include a scheduler function for
programming a selective recording schedule of any of said recorded
at least one visual advertisement and broadcast program.
7. The service of claim 1, further comprising a step for
selectively allowing at least some of said plurality of advertisers
to access the DBA system, in order to place visual
advertisements.
8. The service of claim 7, further including the DBA system
displaying to a properly logged in advertiser, a plurality of slots
that are available to the logged in advertiser for the placement of
the visual advertisements.
9. The service of claim 8, further including the DBA system
displaying to the properly logged in advertiser, a plurality of
parameters for further selection; and wherein the plurality of
parameters include any one or more of times, durations, lengths,
and frequencies of the slots that are available for the visual
advertisements, as well as the programs to be concurrently
broadcast with the available slots.
10. The service of claim 9, wherein upon selection of the plurality
of parameters for the available slots, the DBA system automatically
calculating charges associated with the selection; and
automatically forwarding the calculated charges to said at least
some of the plurality of advertisers.
11. The service of claim 1, further comprising a step of
selectively allowing at least some of said plurality of marketers
to access the DBA system, in order to collect metadata related to
said at least one visual advertisement and broadcast program.
12. The service of claim 11, further comprising the DBA system
automatically calculating charges associated with the metadata; and
automatically forwarding the calculated charges to said at least
some of the plurality of marketers.
13. The service of claim 1, further comprising a step of
selectively allowing at least some of said plurality of
broadcasting stations to access the DBA system, in order to
integrate said at least one visual advertisement with the broadcast
program.
14. The service of claim 1, further comprising a step of
selectively allowing at least some of said user stations to forward
messages to at least one other of said user stations.
15. The service of claim 4, further comprising a step of
selectively allowing at least some of said user stations to forward
any of said recorded at least one visual advertisement and
broadcast program to at least one desired destination.
16. The service of claim 15, wherein said desired destination
includes any one or more of: a designated friend's destination; a
phonebook; a favorite site; and a social site.
17. The service of claim 2, further comprising enabling at least
some of said user stations to purchase any one of the visual
advertisement and the broadcast program.
18. The service of claim 2, further comprising enabling at least
some of said user stations to download any one of the visual
advertisement and the broadcast program.
19. The service of claim 1, further comprising enabling at least
some of said user stations to select any one of the visual
advertisement and the broadcast program to be displayed.
20. The service of claim 1, wherein enabling at least some of said
user stations to select any one of the visual advertisement and the
broadcast program to be displayed, includes setting search
parameters.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to the field of
communications. More particularly, this invention relates to a
system, method, and associated service for interactively providing
a personalized network using telecommunications wavelength, such as
radio wavelengths or other digital wavelengths that transmit
digital signals. The present interactive radio network enables
users, advertisers, and manufacturers to input visual radio
advertisements or commercials, to interact with such commercials,
and to selectively save, store, review, fast forward, rewind,
forward, and respond to the radio programs and/or commercials. In
addition, the present invention provides the listeners with the
ability to selectively present further inquires about the products
or services being advertised; the ability to purchase music items
and programs directly from the individual broadcasting stations;
and the ability to personalize the broadcasting programs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Presently, the listeners to radio, such as satellite radio,
AM radio, or FM radio, are passive users who are subjected to radio
commercials with no ability for interaction and further without the
ability to select the commercials of their choice for further
review. Further, once a radio program or commercial has been
broadcasted, it would no longer be possible for the listener to
review the desired program or commercial using the conventional
radio equipment.
[0003] Basically, prior to the advent of the present invention, the
radio listeners are treated as passive users with no commercially
viable alternative to interact with the content of the broadcast.
The listeners are currently bound to accept the advertisements
forced upon them, which advertisements are restricted to audio
messages. In addition, the listeners are not provided with the
ability to selectively present further inquires about the products
or services being advertised; the ability to purchase songs and
programs directly from the individual broadcasting stations; nor
the ability to personalize the broadcasting programs.
[0004] Another means for reaching listeners includes the billboards
that are dispersed along highways and on buildings. Such billboards
are generally unsightly and could present a distraction to the
passing drivers. In addition, billboards constitute a relatively
expensive advertisement avenue that is not readily accessible to
most users, manufacturers, broadcasters, advertisers, and
marketers.
[0005] Furthermore, current radio equipment do not allow the
listeners to communicate with each others on a user-to-user basis
based on the broadcast content.
[0006] The foregoing and other concerns with the conventional radio
broadcast system have heretofore remained unsolved. There remains
an unsatisfied need for a system, method, and associated service
for interactively providing a personalized network using the radio
wavelengths.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention satisfies this need, and presents a
system, method, network, and associated service (collectively
referred to herein as "the invention", "the present invention",
"the present system", "interactive radio network", "digital
broadcasting for advertisement (DBA)", or a similar designation)
for interactively providing a personalized network using the radio
wavelengths.
[0008] The present interactive radio network enables users to
interact with the content of a radio broadcast, including
commercials (advertisements) or messages, and to selectively save,
store, review, fast forward, rewind, forward, and respond to the
radio programs and/or the commercials. As used herein, the terms
"user" or "users" encompass listeners, viewers, advertisers,
manufacturers, or any person or system capable of manually or
automatically inputting or receiving visual radio advertisements,
commercials, messages, or programs (collectively referred to herein
as "advertisements" or "ads").
[0009] The present interactive radio network also provides a
widespread, international, and economical access to the radio
stations, and reduces the need for advertisement billboards. it
provides the users with an opportunity to selectively inquire about
the products or services being advertised. As an example, the users
are now able to make detailed inquiries about the features and
benefits of the advertised products or services, prior to making
sales or purchase transactions.
[0010] Furthermore, the present interactive radio network allows
the users as well as various sectors of the advertisement industry
to interact with the content of the radio broadcast. The
advertisements are no longer limited to audio messages, but can
further include elaborate video, text, and data information.
[0011] In addition, the present interactive radio network enables
the users to communicate and interact with each others, based on
the broadcast content. It also provides a widely accessible and
affordable avenue for mass marketing and broadcasting of
commercials to mobile users, such as car drivers, airplane
passengers, hikers, etc.
[0012] To this end, the present interactive radio network enables
users to interact with the content of a radio broadcast, including
commercials or messages, and to selectively save, store, review,
fast forward, rewind, pause, forward, and respond to the radio
programs and/or the commercials. The interactive radio network
provides a widespread, international, and economical access to the
radio stations, and reduces the need for advertisement billboards.
It provides the users with an opportunity to selectively inquire
about the products or services being advertised. Furthermore, the
interactive radio network allows the users as well as various
sectors of the advertisement industry to interact with the content
of the radio broadcast. The advertisements are no longer limited to
audio messages, but can further include elaborate video, text, and
data information. The interactive radio network enables the users
to communicate and interact with each others, based on the
broadcast content. It also provides a widely accessible and
affordable avenue for mass marketing and broadcasting of
commercials to mobile users.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The various features of the present invention and the manner
of attaining them will be described in greater detail with
reference to the following description, claims, and drawings,
wherein reference numerals are reused, where appropriate, to
indicate a correspondence between the referenced items, and
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary operating
environment in which an interactive radio network may be used
according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a digital broadcasting
for advertisement (DBA) system forming part of the interactive
radio network of FIG. 1, along with its operating environment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary user
station forming part of the interactive radio network of FIG. 1,
along with its operating environment;
[0017] FIG. 4 is comprised of FIGS. 4A and 4B that represent a
flowchart illustrating a method of operation of the interactive
radio network of FIG. 1, for allowing advertisers to use the
network;
[0018] FIG. 5 is comprised of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D that
represent exemplary screen shots prepared by a local DBA site of
FIG. 2, for display on an advertiser's computer, further
illustrating the method of operation of FIG. 4 for placing an
advertisement or message by the advertiser on the interactive radio
network of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of
the local DBA site of FIG. 2, for allowing marketers to use the
interactive radio network;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exemplary screen shot prepared by the local DBA
site of FIG. 2, for display on a marketer's computer, further
illustrating the method of operation of FIG. 6 for allowing the
marketer to collect access data on the interactive radio network of
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 8 is comprised of FIGS. 8A and 8B that represent a
flowchart illustrating a method of operation of the local DBA site
of FIG. 2, for allowing broadcasters to use the network;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an exemplary screen shot prepared by the local DBA
site of FIG. 2, for display on a broadcaster's computer,
illustrating a program schedule for a broadcasting station with
proper access to the interactive radio network of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an exemplary screen shot that is compiled by the
interactive radio network of FIG. 1, illustrating a compilation of
the program schedules for the advertisements, programmings, and
messages that have been placed by the various users, broadcasting
stations, and advertisers;
[0024] FIG. 11 is comprised of FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D that
represent a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of the
local DBA site of FIG. 2, for allowing users to use the interactive
radio network;
[0025] FIGS. 12 through 28 are exemplary screen shots prepared by
the local DBA site of FIG. 2, for display on a user's computer or
user station, further illustrating the method of operation of FIG.
11 for allowing the user to selectively access the advertisements
that are broadcast on the interactive radio network of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 29 is an exemplary screen shot prepared by prepared by
the local DBA site of FIG. 2, to display various user stations for
use with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 30 is a front view of a stand alone arm clock/radio for
use as a user station with the present invention;
[0028] FIGS. 31 and 32 are two exemplary side views of the stand
alone arm clock/radio of FIG. 29;
[0029] FIG. 33 is a rear view of the stand alone arm clock/radio of
FIG. 29;
[0030] FIG. 34 is a cutaway view of vehicle incorporating various
exemplary user stations shown mounted at various locations within
the vehicle; and
[0031] FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of an exemplary user station
mounted on a dashboard of the vehicle of FIG. 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary operating environment in
which an interactive radio network 100 may be used according to the
present invention. The interactive radio network 100 illustrates a
plurality of representative user stations 105, 110 that communicate
with a digital broadcasting for advertisement (DBA) system 200, via
a network 111, as it will be described later in greater detail. The
interactive radio network 100 selectively communicates with a
plurality of broadcasting stations 115, 120, a plurality of
advertisers 125, 130, a plurality of marketers 135, payment centers
140, and the user stations 105, 110, through the DBA system
200.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, it illustrates the DBA system 200
forming part of the interactive radio network 100 of FIG. 1, along
with its operating environment. More specifically, the DBA system
200 generally includes at least one local DBA site 210 that may be
connected to other DBA systems 250 via a local, centralized, or
decentralized network 255. The DBA system 200 further includes a
plurality of local, centralized, or networked DBA servers 256 and
databases 257 that are interconnected via a network 260.
[0034] The DBA system 200 also includes a plurality of interfaces
that enable access to the local DBA site 210. As used herein, the
term "interface" includes a hardware, a software, and/or a computer
program product that is typically embedded within or installed on a
computer, a server, or otherwise a dedicated auxiliary device.
Alternatively, the interface can be saved on a removable storage
medium such as a diskette, a CD, a DVD, a hard drive, or another
known or available memory device.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the DBA
system 200 includes a plurality of representative user station
interfaces 205 that enable the user stations 105, 110 to access the
local DBA site 210; a plurality of broadcasters' interfaces 215
that enable the broadcasters (or broadcasting stations) 115, 120 to
access the local DBA site 210; a plurality of advertisers'
interfaces 225 that enable the advertisers 125 to access the local
DBA site 210; a plurality of marketers' interfaces 235 that enable
the marketers 135 to access the local DBA site 210; and a plurality
of payment interfaces 240 that enable access to the payment centers
140, either directly or through the local DBA site 210.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the exemplary user
station 105 of the interactive radio network 100 of FIG. 1, along
with its operating environment. As explained earlier, the user
station 105 communicates with the DBA system 100 via the network
100. The user station 105 can be a standalone device as illustrated
in FIG. 29, or it can be used with other auxiliary devices, such as
an external speaker 305, a microphone 310, a GPS receiver 315, a
cellular phone 320, or any other available compatible device 325.
The user station 105 may also receive radio 350 and various other
signals, including video, audio, and/or data signals over an nG
communication network (e.g., 3G, 4G) 355, digital broadcast signals
360, or analogue broadcast signals 365 that are digitized by means
of an analogue-to-digital converter 370.
[0037] FIG. 4 includes FIGS. 4A and 4B and illustrates a method of
operation 400 of the interactive radio network 100 of FIG. 1, for
allowing the advertiser 125 to access and use the network 100. FIG.
5 includes FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D, and illustrates a plurality of
screen shots 500, 525, 540, 560 that are prepared by the local DBA
site 210, for display on an advertiser's computer. FIG. 5 further
illustrates the method of operation 400 of FIG. 4, in order to
enable the advertiser 125 to place at least one or more
advertisements on the interactive radio network 100 of FIG. 1.
[0038] Considering now FIGS. 4 and 5 in combination, the advertiser
125 starts at step 405 by logging in to the local DBA site 210 to
perform the initial registration or to place the desired
advertisements to be broadcast to the user stations 105, 205. At
step 410, in response to a proper login, and as illustrated in FIG.
5A, the local DBA site 210 displays the slots, e.g., 505, 506, that
are available for the advertiser 125 to place the
advertisements.
[0039] Each of the slots 505, 506 represents a predetermined time
period, measured for example, in seconds. As an example, slot 505
shows that only a single slot out of 4 slots, is currently
available for this advertiser. The available time period is
illustrated by a solid X, while the unavailable time periods are
illustrated by dashed X's. Alternatively, the X's could be used to
predetermine the selected size of the advertisement rather than its
availability; the presumption being that there will always be a few
seconds for the advertisement to appear.
[0040] In addition, slot 505 shows that a predetermined number of
advertisements could be displayed concurrently on the user station
105. In this particular example, slot 505 shows the placement of
four concurrent advertisements, as illustrated by the locations of
the X's. Such an arrangement provides the advertiser 125 with the
flexibility of selecting both the duration of the advertisements
and the arrangements of the advertisements, in preselected time
increments.
[0041] The running total of the selected slots will be
automatically calculated and displayed to the advertiser 125, in
slot 510.
[0042] Referring now to step 420 of FIG. 4 and to the screen shot
525 of FIG. 5B, the advertiser 125 proceeds by selecting additional
parameters of the advertisement broadcast. Such parameters include,
for example, the standard time, country, state, province, county,
zip code, area code, GPS coordinates, or any additional
geographical boundaries of the broadcast.
[0043] At step 425 of FIG. 4 and its corresponding screen shot 540
of FIG. 5C, the advertiser 125 selects the times, durations,
lengths, and frequencies of the advertisements to be broadcast. The
broadcasting time selection table shown in the screen shot 540
provides the advertiser 125 with a very accurate means for
selecting the desired parameters for the advertisement, in
increments of, for example, 10 seconds.
[0044] At step 430 of FIG. 4, the local DBA site 210 automatically
calculates the total charges for the advertisement selections, and
displays these charges in detail, in a table 545, within the screen
shot 540. The advertiser 125 has the option to make any desired
modification to the selected parameters in order to achieve the
advertiser's satisfaction with the charges.
[0045] At step 435 of FIG. 4 and its corresponding screen shot 560
of FIG. 5D, the advertiser 125 makes the payment for the charges
calculated in table 545. Such payments may be made either directly
to the local DBA site 210 using advertiser's account 565, or by
using third party payment centers 140 (FIG. 1), via, for example,
the payment interface 240 (FIG. 2) that are referenced by the
numerals 570, 575 in the screen shot 560.
[0046] Once the payment is confirmed or received by the local DBA
site 210, the advertiser 125 is prompted by the local DBA site 210
to upload the desired advertisements to be broadcast. At step 440
of FIG. 4B, the advertiser 125 uploads the desired audio, data,
and/or video formats, whether in digital or analogue form (to be
converted by the local DBA site 210). Optionally, and as allowed by
the local laws, the local DBA site 210 performs, at step 445, the
necessary review of the content of the uploaded advertisements, to
ensure the appropriateness of such advertisements. Once the
uploaded advertisements clear the set standardized scrutiny of the
local DBA site 210, the latter can format and convert the cleared
advertisements, as needed to best fit the slots that have been
previously selected using screen shots 500, 525 and 540 of FIG.
5.
[0047] At step 450 of FIG. 4B, the advertiser 125 previews and
approves the rendering of advertisements and submits the same to
the local DBA site 210 for broadcast. If the rendered
advertisements are not approved by the advertiser 125, additional
revisions and renderings may be made by the advertiser 125 and/or
the local DBA site 210 to ensure the advertiser's satisfaction and
final approval of the advertisements.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation 600
of the interactive radio network 100 of FIG. 1, for allowing a
marketer 135 to use the network 100. FIG. 7 illustrates an
exemplary screen shot 700 which is prepared by the local DBA site
210, for display on a marketer's computer. Considering now FIGS. 6
and 7 in combination, the marketer 135 starts at step 605 by
logging in to the local DBA site 210 to perform the initial
registration or to access the marketer's already created
account.
[0049] At step 610, in response to a proper login by the marketer
135, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the local DBA site 210 displays
the parameters 710 that are available to the marketer 135 to
conduct a search and to collect the desired data. As an example,
some of the parameters 710 include the types (kinds or categories)
of the products that have been (or will be) advertised; the total
number of these advertisements; the durations of these
advertisements; and the advertisements that were selected, saved
(or stored), transferred, or responded to (such as by a direct
purchases) by the user stations 105, 110. At step 610, the marketer
135 searches the data collected by the local DBA site 210 and
stored in the DBA databases 257 (FIG. 2), using the displayed
parameters.
[0050] At step 615, and in response to the inquiry inputted by the
marketer 135, the local DBA site 210 applies the search parameters
to the data in the DBA databases 257 and automatically prepares a
report to be communicated to the marketer 135. At step 620, the
local DBA site 210 automatically prepares a statement and bills the
marketer 135 for the search and the resulting report.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 8 and its corresponding FIGS. 9 and
10, FIG. 8 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) illustrates a method of operation 800
of the interactive radio network 100 of FIG. 1, for allowing the
broadcasting stations 115, 120 to access and use the network 100.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary screen shot 900 that is prepared by the
local DBA site 210 of FIG. 2, for display on a broadcaster's
computer, illustrating a program schedule for the broadcasting
station (or broadcaster), e.g., 115 with proper access to the
interactive radio network 100.
[0052] The broadcasting station (or broadcaster), e.g., 115 logs in
to the local DBA site 210 and optionally downloads an application
from the local DBA site 210, that enables access to the interactive
radio network 100. Alternatively, if the broadcasting station 115
is already registered with the local DBA site 210, then the
broadcasting station 115 would login to the already established
account.
[0053] At step 805 of method 800, the broadcasting station 115
uploads the program schedule 905 of FIG. 9. The program schedule
905 provides the broadcasting station 115 with accurate and
detailed information on the scheduled advertisements, messages,
programs, and other information to be broadcast on this
broadcaster's broadcasting station.
[0054] The program schedule 905 illustrates a plurality of
tabulated slots 910, each of which represents a predetermined
period of time (e.g., 1 second), or a block of time intervals. In
order for the broadcasting station 115 to review the content of a
specific time slot 920, the broadcaster 115 accesses the program
schedule at 815 and double clicks the specific time slot 920, in
order to view the content that is allocated for broadcasting.
[0055] In the program schedule 815, the time slots 910 that are not
devoid of content are visually highlighted in order to provide
advance notice to the broadcaster 115 so that the empty time slots
920 are filled in order to avoid a disruption of the broadcast. As
an example, if a specific time slot 920 is highlighted, the
broadcaster 15 selects that time slot 920 and a pull down menu 925
appears. At step 825, the broadcaster 115 downloads the desired
data and files to the selected time slot or interval 920.
[0056] At step 830, the broadcaster optionally modifies, adds, or
deletes the content of the program schedule 900. The local DBA site
210 automatically formats the downloaded data and files to the
proper format for broadcasting to the user stations 105, 110.
[0057] At step 835, the broadcaster's site automatically
synchronizes the local DBA site's 210 uploaded program schedule 900
with the broadcaster's main feed for broadcast. Concurrently, at
step 840, the local DBA site 210 calculates the charges incurred by
the broadcasting station 115 for the use of the interactive radio
network 100, and automatically sends a corresponding invoice to the
broadcasting station 115 for payment. At step 845, the broadcasting
station 115 makes the payment using the payment centers 140.
[0058] FIG. 10 represents a screen shot 1000 that is compiled by
the interactive radio network 100, illustrating a compilation of
the program schedules 900 for the advertisements, programmings, and
messages that have been placed by the various users, broadcasting
stations, and advertisers. As an example, program schedule 905 is
associated with broadcaster 115, and program schedule 1010 is
associated with broadcaster 120.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 11, it is comprised of FIGS. 11A, 11B,
11C, and 11D that represent a flowchart illustrating a method of
operation 1100 of local DBA site 210 of FIG. 2, for allowing the
users, their corresponding user stations 105, 110 or computers, to
access and use the interactive radio network 100.
[0060] In operation, in order for a user to access and use the
interactive radio network 100, the user either uses his/her
computer to access the local DBA site 210, or to create a new
account, at step 1105. Alternatively, the user turns on the user
station 105 at step 1110, and starts using at least one of the
accessories illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0061] At step 1115, the user has the option to select a
broadcasting station (e.g., 115) that is preset on the user station
(or computer) 105, or an international screen 1200 (FIG. 12). The
selection may be carried out manually, automatically, or by voice
command.
[0062] In response to the selection at step 1115, the user station
105 connects, at step 1120, to one or more local DBA site 210 via,
for example, a mobile phone 320 on an nG network 355, a satellite
phone, WIFI 380, or any other known or available network, such as
Microsoft's Sync system that is currently bused by Ford Motor
Company. If access to international broadcast has been selected at
step 1115, the local DBA site 210 uploads the international screen
1200 of FIG. 12 to the user station 105, at step 1125.
[0063] Once the international screen 1200 is displayed on the user
station 105, the user has the option, at step 1130, to select or to
search, manually or by means of a voice command, the desired
station location, station name, broadcast type, or any other
desired parameter. In response to the user's search criteria, the
user station 105 displays, at step 1135, a screen frame 1300 that
includes various control functions. FIG. 13A illustrates some of
these control functions, such as broadcast information 1305 and a
banners frame 1310 that include advertisements, messages, and other
additional data that are selected by the user.
[0064] Optionally, at step 1140 of FIG. 11, the user saves or
records the broadcast advertisements or messages, as it will be
explained later in connection with FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 13D. The
user may also exchange personalized messages with other user
stations 105, 110.
[0065] At step 1145, and as further illustrated in FIG. 26, the
user optionally searches for desired products or services, as it
will be described hereafter in more detail. At step 1150, the user
has the option to select, save, record, play back, or transfer the
resulting advertisements and/or broadcast programs for later
viewing, listening, or processing.
[0066] At step 1155, and with further reference to FIGS. 14, 15,
the user may elect to view more details about the broadcast
program, the product, or the service being advertised, as it will
be described hereafter in more detail. The user's request is
transmitted to the local DBA site 210 via, for example, the nG
network 355, at step 1160.
[0067] At step 1165, the local DBA site 210 retrieves the requested
pre-stored audio, video, and/or data. At step 1170, the user
selects the desired processing step to be executed by the user
station 105, such as play, fast forward, rewind, transfer to
another user station 110, access the advertised web site, make a
reservation, bid in an auction on a real time basis, etc., as it
will be described herein in more detail.
[0068] At step 1175, the user station 105 connects to, and
downloads the selected actions to the local DBA site 210 for
execution. In response, the local DBA site 210 optionally directly
connects the websites of the advertisers, service providers,
manufacturers, etc. that are registered with the network 100, to
the user station 105. As the user accesses these websites, the
local DBA site 210 calculates the access fee payment or royalty to
the registered websites owners, at step 1177.
[0069] At step 1180, as the user is listening to a broadcast
program on the user station 105, banners are continuously displayed
on the user station 105, as described herein in connection with
FIGS. 5, 9, 10, and 13. At step 1185, if the user becomes
interested in one or more banners or programs, he/she selects the
desired banner or program either manually or by means of voice
command.
[0070] At step 1190, the user station 105 automatically connects to
the local DBA site 210 site and retrieves additional information
and options related to the selected banner or program. At step
1195, the user station 105 displays such additional information, as
illustrated in FIGS. 15-25.
[0071] At step 1196, the user station 105 stores the selected
banner or program and its associated metadata. Optionally, this
information is stored on the local DBA site 210 under the
user-dedicated registered account. At step 1197, the user can
retrieve and watch the stored information, and take the desired
action, such as ask for directions, dial the phone number, make a
payment or a reservation, or any other desired action that is
permitted by the accessed website.
[0072] With reference to FIG. 13A, the broadcast information 1305
includes, for example, a row of broadcast station's associated data
1315 and a row of functions 1320 that are associated with the
recording and playback functions of the interactive radio network
100. If the user wishes more information or control over the
broadcast station's associated data 1315, the user could manually
touch the broadcast station row 1315, or verbally order the user
station 105 to provide additional information.
[0073] In response to the user's request, the user station displays
a broadcast frame 1400 that illustrates additional broadcast
information, and provides the user with additional controls and
entries for search criteria, such as broadcast type, volume
control, broadcast music type, a menu of upcoming broadcast, in
addition to the functions row 1320.
[0074] For illustration purpose only and without any intent of
limitation, the functions row 1320 includes a menu button 1321, a
navigation button 1322, a rewind button 1323, a pause/play button
1324, a fast forward button 1325, a record button 1326, a preset
button 1327, a microphone button 1328, and an international search
button 1329. Considering each of these control buttons in greater
detail, the menu button 1321 enables the user to display standard
radio menu with, for example, CD/DVD/Navigation menu, in order to
switch to a standard car radio standardized application menu. The
navigation button 1322 enables the user to access the navigation
functions in the vehicle.
[0075] The banners frame 1310 illustrates a plurality of banners,
such as for example, a vehicle banner 1350, a nutrition banner
1351, a restaurant banner 1352, and a reservation banner 1353. It
should be understood that in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the preset button 1327 or the menu button 1321, enables
the user to select, as favorite or bookmark, the desired banner
types to be displayed. Alternatively, the banners frame 1310 will
be displayed as broadcast by the broadcasting station 115 being
displayed on the user station 105.
[0076] The record button 1326 enables the user to continuously
record the audio, video, graphics, and text displayed on the
current frame 1300. The recording progress is visually indicated by
a progress bar 1330. Optionally, the user could change the
recording setting by means of the menu button 1321, to instruct the
user station to selectively record the desired information only,
such as music or banners.
[0077] Alternatively, the user could select the broadcast station
row 1315 to access the broadcast frame 1400 (FIG. 14A) and
therefrom program the user station 105 to record a selected
broadcast section that is either currently playing or that is
scheduled to be broadcast at a later time. As an example, the user
could program the user station 105 to record the News section 1405
that starts at 11:00 AM and ends at 11:01 AM.
[0078] The broadcast frame 1400 presents the user with several
search fields, i.e., 1408, 1409, 1410, as well as a results field
1411. Considering for example the search field 1410, it allows the
user to search for the desired music by, for example, music type,
song, album name, singer, news about music, etc. (collectively
referred to herein as "music". More specifically, the selection of
the exemplary search button 1410 causes the user station 105 to
display a new search frame 1420 (FIG. 14B) that provides the user
with advanced search fields 1422 and a keyboard 1423 for specific
user entries.
[0079] The selection of a listed entry 1419 in either the broadcast
frame 1400 or a desired submit button 1424 in the search frame
1420, will cause the user station 105 to display a new music box
frame 1430 (FIG. 14C). In a preferred embodiment, the music box
frame 1430 lists the music items 1431 that are available to the
user. In this embodiment, the user is provided with an option to
listen to the selected music item 1431 by pressing a corresponding
button 1432.
[0080] In another embodiment, if for example the listed entry 1419
is selected by the user, the corresponding entry, Beethoven
Symphony No. 3--Eroica, is displayed and listed in FIG. 14C as a
music item 1431, providing the user with the options to either
listen, purchase, or record the music item to the user's account.
It is noteworthy to indicate that the selection of the music item
1419 (FIG. 14A), causes the selected music item 1419 to be
processed, per the user demand, but of the broadcast time sequence.
In the illustrated example, the selected item 1419 is scheduled to
be broadcast at 10:42 AM, but is made available to the user at a
user-selected time (prior or after the present time of 10:35
AM).
[0081] Referring back to the example illustrated in FIG. 14C, the
user is provided with additional selection fields about the
selected music item 1431. For instance the user is enabled to
select a more specific parameter 1433 related to the music item,
i.e., SF Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic (or Philharmonie), etc. The
user is then enabled to make another desired selection using the
corresponding field 1434, whereby the selected music item 1431
could be purchased or recorded to the user's account.
[0082] According to yet another embodiment, the user can make
several selections of the music items 1419, 1431 and have the music
items 1419, 1431 that have been selected from the various frames
(or screen shots) described herein, assembled for processing (i.e.,
listening, recording, display, advertisements, messages, etc.) in a
predetermined time sequence. As a result, each user has now
acquired the ability to design his/her personalized broadcast,
disregarding music items that do not appeal (or that are of no
interest) to him/her.
[0083] With reference to the banner search button 1408 in FIG. 14A,
the selection of this button 1408 in any of the available frames,
will cause the user station 105 to display a new banner search
frame 1440 (FIG. 14D). The banner search frame 1440 enables the
user to filter the display of the banners on the user station 105,
by a desired type 1444, or in a preferential order. For example, in
one embodiment, the selection of the antiques button 1445 will
limit the banners displayed on the user station 105 to
antique-related items. Alternatively, the user may select a
plurality of types, i.e., antiques button 1445, electronics button
1446, and jewelry button 1447, and assign to each button a
corresponding processing parameter that will instruct the user
station 105 to associate the display of these banner types with a
desired order either in time, music item 1431, news items, etc. As
a result, the user has now achieved control over the broadcast of
the music items as explained earlier, and also over the broadcast
of the banners.
[0084] If the user wishes to view or record (that is store or tape)
a particular banner (e.g., 1351) of the banners frame 1310, he/she
selects a screen save/forward button 1360, or possibly touches that
banner 1351 if the screen is a touch screen, either manually or by
voice command. The selection of the save/forward button 1360 causes
the user station 105 to display a new screen frame 1362 (FIG. 13B),
while the selection of the banner 1351 causes the user station 105
to display a new screen frame 1500 (FIG. 15A) in which the selected
banner 1351 is enlarged and additional information and options are
shown. As an example, the screen frame 1500 shows a health bar
1505, a video sub-frame 1510, additional data button 1515, and a
home button 1520.
[0085] If the user selects the sub-frame 1510, the user station 105
connects to the local DBA site 210 via, for example, the mobile
phone 320, the nG network 355, the satellite phone, the WIFI 380,
or any other known or available network, in order to play the video
commercial. Alternatively, the video commercial could be broadcast
directly to the user station 105 as a hidden file, concurrently
with the banner 1351. Using the functions row 1320, the user can
store the video commercial for later viewing. The user could also
use the fast forward button 1325 or the rewind button 1323 to fast
forward or rewind through the video commercial.
[0086] If the user selects the additional data button 1515 of
screen frame 1500, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA
site 210 in order to upload the information about the product, the
reseller, or the manufacturer. Such information could alternatively
be broadcast directly to the user station 105 as a hidden file,
concurrently with the banner 1351. Using the functions row 1320,
the user can store the uploaded information for later viewing.
[0087] If the user selects the home button 1520 of screen frame
1500, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 in
order to access the advertiser's, reseller's, or manufacturer's web
site. The link to this web site could alternatively be broadcast
directly to the user station 105 as a hidden file, concurrently
with the banner 1351. Alternatively, the home button 1520
redisplays screen frame 1300 of FIG. 13A. The find out more button
1515 reveals more information about the product 1505, which
information could have been possibly transmitted as a hidden file
that is embedded with the advertisement broadcast. In another
alternative embodiment, the find out more button 1515 redirects the
user to the home page or site of the product's manufacturer,
seller, or reseller.
[0088] In an alternative embodiment, the selection of the banner
1351 (FIG. 13A) causes the user station 105 to display a screen
frame 1550 (FIG. 15B) in which the selected banner 1351 is enlarged
and additional information and options are shown. As an example,
the screen frame 1550 shows the health bar 1505 as well as the
locations/addresses 1555 where the health bar 1505 is available or
sold. A play ad button 1560 enables the user to replay the
commercial.
[0089] The screen frame 1550 also includes a "My MPS" display or
counter 1570, where MPS. The MPS counter 1570 keeps a running and
updated record based on the number of minutes (time) the user
station 105 remains tuned to advertisement, in any screen frame
described herein, i.e., 1300, 1500, 1550, etc. The MPS scores could
be used by the product manufacturers, the broadcasting stations
115, the advertisers 125, the marketers 135 for business related
purposes, such as to assess the success of the advertisement
campaign. In addition, the users may use these MPS scores, for
example, as redeemable points (with monetary values) toward the
purchase of the advertised product 1505.
[0090] The selection of the screen the save/forward button 1360 in
FIG. 13A, causes the user station 105 to display screen frame 1362
(FIG. 13B) in which the screen frame 1300 of FIG. 13A appears as a
faded background, and a new foreground appears. In a preferred
embodiment, a screen save mode icon 1365 appears clearly in order
to advise the user of the operation mode of the user station 105. A
new set of control buttons, such as a save button 1366 and a
forward button 1367 also appear.
[0091] The selection of the save button 1366 causes a new screen
save mode frame 1370 to appear on the user station 105, as
illustrated in FIG. 13C. The screen save mode frame 1370 shows new
function keys/buttons 1371 through 1376. Function key 1371 enables
the user to scroll through the displayed advertisements that are
displayed on screen frame 1300, and to select one or more
advertisements. Once the advertisement is selected, it is displayed
as a faded background. The user can then use the remaining function
keys to effect the desired action.
[0092] As an example, the phone book key 1372 forwards the selected
advertisement to the phone book. Similarly, the favorite key 1373,
the facebook key 1374, the twitter key 1375, and the Radgio friends
key 1376 forward the selected advertisement to the desired
destination or destinations. In addition to forwarding the
advertisement, the user may personalize the transmittal of the
advertisement by adding comments or notes using a keyboard 1377 or
the microphone button 1328.
[0093] FIG. 13D illustrates a recipient screen 1380 that is
displayed on a computer or user station 105 of a recipient to whom
the advertisement has been forwarded, as explained earlier in
connection with FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C. An information box 1381
appears, showing the sender's identification or information (1382),
and provides the recipient with the options to view (1383), save
(1384), or decline (1385) the forwarded message. A reply key 1386
and a forward key 1387 are also provided to enable the recipient to
either reply or forward the message, as desired, optionally using a
keyboard 1388.
[0094] Referring back to FIG. 13A, if the user wishes to view or
record the vehicle banner 1350 of the banners frame 1310, he/she
selects that banner 1350, either manually or by voice command. This
selection causes the user station 105 to display a new screen frame
1600 in which the selected banner 1350 is enlarged and additional
information and options are shown. As an example, the screen frame
1600 shows a vehicle 1605, a video button 1610, a locator button
1615, a call button 1629, and a home button 1625.
[0095] If the user selects the video button 1610, the user station
105 connects to the local DBA site 210, in order to play a video
commercial 1700 (FIG. 17). Alternatively, the video commercial 1700
could be broadcast directly to the user station 105 as a hidden
file, concurrently with the banner 1350. Using the functions row
1320, the user can store the video commercial for later viewing.
The user could also use the fast forward button 1325 or the rewind
button 1323 to fast forward or rewind through the video
commercial.
[0096] If the user selects the locator button 1615 of screen frame
1600, the location of the user station 105 is determined by the GPS
receiver 315 and transmitted to the local DBA site 210. The user
station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 in order to upload
data about the various store locations within a predetermined
distance from the user station 105. In turn, the user selects the
desired location and transmits this selection to the local DBA site
210. The local DBA site 210 sends a map (similar to map 1901 of
FIG. 19) containing directions to the selected location.
[0097] If the user selects the call button 1620, the user station
105 establishes an audio connection with the mobile phone 320 and
dials the telephone associated with the banner 1350. Such telephone
number could alternatively be broadcast directly to the user
station 105 as a hidden file, concurrently with the banner 1350.
Using the functions row 1320, the user can store the uploaded
information for later viewing.
[0098] If the user selects the home button 1625 of screen frame
1600, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 in
order to access the advertiser's, reseller's, or manufacturer's web
site. The link to this web site could alternatively be broadcast
directly to the user station 105 as a hidden file, concurrently
with the banner 1350.
[0099] Referring back to FIG. 13A, if the user wishes to view or
record the restaurant banner 1352 of the banners frame 1310, he/she
selects that banner 1352, either manually or by voice command. This
selection causes the user station 105 to display a new screen frame
1800 in which the selected banner 1352 is enlarged and additional
information and options are shown.
[0100] As an example, the screen frame 1800 (FIG. 18) shows a
picture of a breakfast plate 1805, along with the address 1810 and
contact information (e.g., telephone number 1815) for the business
entity providing the advertised meal. The screen frame 1800 also
shows a menu button 1820, a reservation button 1825, a gift card
button 1830, a back button 1850. The screen frame 1800 could
further include additional information and control options, such as
a locator or direction button 1835, a call button 1840, a video
button (as previously described but is not shown), a home button
(not shown), and any other suitable control button, such as a
plurality of destination buttons 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863.
[0101] In this example, the selection of any destination button
1860, 1861, 1862, and/or 1863, instructs the user station 105 to
forward the selected item, i.e., advertisement, message, music item
(FIGS. 14A-14D), to a desired destination. The facebook key 1860,
the twitter key 1861, the phone book key 1863, and the Radgio key
1862 forward the selected item to the desired destination or
destinations. In addition to forwarding the item, the user may
personalize the transmittal by adding comments or notes using a
keyboard or a microphone button, as indicated earlier. Additional
destination keys (or buttons) may be included in the screen frame
1800, such as a phonebook key, a favorite key, etc.
[0102] If the user selects the locator button 1835 of screen frame
1800, the location of the user station 105 is determined by the GPS
receiver 315 and transmitted to the local DBA site 210. The user
station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 in order to upload
data about the various store locations within a predetermined
distance from the user station 105. In turn, the user selects the
desired location and transmits this selection to the local DBA site
210. The local DBA site 210 sends a map 1901 as part of a map frame
1900, as shown in FIG. 19A, containing directions to the selected
location.
[0103] A call button 1840, a home button 1905, and a back button
1850 can be added to the map frame 1900. The home button 1905
allows the user to access the home web site (e.g., 1800), while the
back button 1850 routes the user back to a previous screen
frame.
[0104] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19B, a
notification frame 1920 displays a map 1925 on the user station,
detailing the location 1927 of the accident, delay, detour, or
otherwise disruption, that may occur along the selected route or
routes, leading to the user's selected destination.
[0105] The user station 105 may alternatively upload the address
1810 of the selected restaurant to the GPS 315. In turn, the GPS
315 provides the necessary driving or map directions to the
physical location of the restaurant.
[0106] If the user selects the call button 1840, the user station
105 establishes an audio connection with the mobile phone 320 and
dials the telephone associated with the banner 1352. Such telephone
number could alternatively be broadcast directly to the user
station 105 as a hidden file, concurrently with the banner 1352.
Using the functions row 1320, the user can store the uploaded
information for later viewing.
[0107] If the user selects the menu button 1620 of screen frame
1800, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 in
order to access a menu 2000 (FIG. 20) offered by the restaurant.
The link to the restaurant's web site could alternatively be
broadcast directly to the user station 105 as a hidden file,
concurrently with the banner 1352. At the menu screen frame 2000,
the user can make the desired selection, such as select the meal
type: breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, etc., and specify the
desired order. A submit button 2005, enables the user to send
his/her selection to the restaurant, via the user station 105 and
its corresponding accessory, for delivery or pickup.
[0108] If the user selects the reservation button 1825 in FIG. 18
or 20, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 and
retrieves a reservation screen frame 2100 for display on the user
station 105. The reservation screen frame 2100 enables the user to
enter his/her corresponding information in the appropriate fields
2105, 2110, 2115, 2120, 2122, using a keyboard 2125. The user then
submits the entered information using a submit button 2130, and a
communication, such as a confirmation, is then sent back from the
restaurant's web site to the user station 105 or to the user's
email that was entered in field 2122.
[0109] If the user selects the gift card button 1830 in FIG. 18 or
20, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 and
retrieves a gift card screen frame 2200 for display on the user
station 105. The gift card screen frame 2200 enables the user to
enter his/her corresponding information in the appropriate fields
2205, 2210, 2215, 2220, using a keyboard 2225. The user then
submits the entered information using a submit or buy button 2222,
and a communication, such as a receipt, is then sent back from the
restaurant's web site to the user station 105 or to the user's
email that was entered in field 2230.
[0110] Referring back to FIG. 13A, if the user wishes to view or
record the reservation banner 1353 of the banners frame 1310 (FIG.
13A), he/she selects that banner 1353, either manually or by voice
command. This selection causes the user station 105 to display a
new screen frame 2300 (FIG. 23) in which the selected banner 1353
is illustrated with additional information and options. As an
example, the screen frame 2300 shows a subframe 2305 that includes
the theater's telephone number and address, and another subframe
2350 that lists the available movies, movie theaters, schedules,
and seat availability.
[0111] The screen frame 2300 also shows a home button 2310, a back
button 2315, a call button 2317, a watch preview/trailer button
2320, a buy tickets button 2325, search for other theaters button
2330, and any other suitable control button.
[0112] If the user selects the address link in the subframe 2305,
the location of the user station 105 is determined by the GPS
receiver 315 and transmitted to the local DBA site 210. The user
station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 in order to upload
data about the various store locations within a predetermined
distance from the user station 105. In turn, the user selects the
desired location and transmits this selection to the local DBA site
210. The local DBA site 210 sends a map (or directions), similar to
the map 1901 shown in FIG. 19, containing directions to the
selected theater.
[0113] The home button 2310 allows the user to access the home web
site of the movie theater, while the back button 2315 routes the
user back to a previous screen frame.
[0114] If the user selects the call button 2317, the user station
105 establishes an audio connection with the mobile phone 320 and
dials the telephone associated with the banner 2300. Such telephone
number could alternatively be broadcast directly to the user
station 105 as a hidden file, concurrently with the banner 2300.
Using the functions row 1320, the user can store the uploaded
information for later viewing.
[0115] If the user selects the watch preview/trailer button 2320 of
screen frame 2300, the user station 105 connects to the local DBA
site 210 in order to access a preview screen frame 2400 (FIG. 24).
At the preview screen frame 2400, the user can make the desired
selection, such as select the back button 2315, the home button
2310, the direction button 2440, or the trailer subframe 2330.
[0116] If the user selects the direction (or locator) button 2440
of screen frame 2400, the location of the user station 105 is
determined by the GPS receiver 315 and transmitted to the local DBA
site 210. The user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210
in order to upload data about the various theater locations within
a predetermined distance from the user station 105. In turn, the
user selects the desired location and transmits this selection to
the local DBA site 210. The local DBA site 210 sends a map, similar
to the map 1901 of FIG. 19, containing directions to the selected
location.
[0117] By selecting the trailer subframe 2330, the user station 105
plays the selected trailer video, which could have been either
pre-transmitted to the user station 105 upon selection of the
preview screen frame 2400, or it could be uploaded to the user
station 105 upon selection of the trailer subframe 2330 via the
networks that are available to the user station 105.
[0118] If the user selects the buy tickets button 2325 in FIG. 23,
the user station 105 connects to the local DBA site 210 and
retrieves a reservation screen frame 2500 (FIG. 25) for display on
the user station 105. The reservation screen frame 2500 enables the
user to buy the tickets to the desired theater and to make the
appropriate payments.
[0119] FIG. 26 illustrates a frame 2600 that can displayed on the
user station 105 as a screen frame, or on the user's computer as a
screen shot. Considering for example, the use of the screen frame
2600 in operation with the user station 105, it includes all the
functions described earlier in connection with the screen frame
1300 of FIG. 13A.
[0120] The screen frame 2600 could illustrate banners in addition
to those displayed in screen frame 2300. As an example, the screen
frame displays a news banner 2605, a shopping network banner 2610,
a products banner 2615, and an internet banner 2620. The screen
frame 2600 also illustrates a search field and additional links and
optional links 2650.
[0121] If the user selects the news banner 2605, the user station
105 automatically connects to the local DBA site 210 and displays a
news screen frame 2700 (FIG. 27A), which illustrates the current
news and which provides the user with the option to search for the
desired news, using field 2705. The news screen frame 2700 allows
the user to view audio and video clips of news, and to tape the
news using the row of functions 1320, as described earlier.
[0122] The news banner 2605 (or another more specific banner, key,
or button) may display an alert frame 2750 (FIG. 27B) that advises
the user of the weather (by for example, weather channels), and of
imminent dangers, catastrophes, or natural disasters i.e., floods,
earthquakes, etc., in the user's geographical area, and advises the
user on recommended actions. This service may be tied to
governmental alarm or alert systems. It should be clear that the
alert frame 2750 may automatically supersede (or be overlaid on)
the other frames being broadcast, without an express selection by
the user.
[0123] If the user selects the shopping network banner 2610 (FIG.
26), the user station 105 automatically connects to the local DBA
site 210 and displays a shopping network screen frame 2700 (FIG.
27), which illustrates an online shopping network and which
provides the user with the option to search for the desired
product, using search field 2805. The shopping network screen frame
2800 allows the user to view audio and video clips of advertised
products 2810, and to interact with the local DBA site 210 in order
to purchase, sell, or otherwise trade the products 2810. The
shopping network screen frame 2800 also allows the user to tape the
advertisements using the row of functions 1320, as described
earlier.
[0124] If the user selects the products banner 2615 (FIG. 26), the
user station 105 automatically connects to the local DBA site 210
and displays a products screen frame 2900 (FIG. 29), which lists
products available for purchase by the user, such as products 2915,
2920, 2925, 2930, 2935. The products screen frame 2900 also
provides the user with the option to search for the desired
product, using a search field 2905. The products screen frame 2900
allows the user to view audio and video clips of advertised
products 2810 (FIG. 28), and to interact with the local DBA site
210 in order to purchase, sell, or otherwise trade the advertised
products 2915, 2920, 2925, 2930, 2935. The products screen frame
2900 also allows the user to tape the advertisements using the row
of functions 1320, as described earlier. Furthermore, the products
screen frame 2900 provides the user with the option to purchase the
desired product illustrated for example, by a product icon 2930,
using a buy now button 2910.
[0125] If the user selects the internet banner 2620 (FIG. 26), the
user station 105 automatically connects to the local DBA site 210
to a bookmarked web site or to the local DBA site 210 web site; in
order to enable the user to access the internet or intranet.
[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 if the user
selects the product icon 2830, the local DBA site 210 connects to,
and displays on the user station 105 an enlarged view of the
product 3000. In this illustration, the product 3000 is a
standalone alarm clock/radio 3000 that includes all the features of
the user station 105, as described herein.
[0127] With reference to FIG. 34, it illustrates a vehicle 3400,
such as a car, a plane, or a boat, with several user stations 3405,
3410, 3415, 3420, 3425, shown placed at various locations in the
vehicle 3400. FIG. 35 illustrates an enlarged view of the user
station 3405 which is positioned on the dashboard 3500 of the
vehicle 3400.
[0128] The interactive radio network 100 is a novel, complete
modern radio system that brings web interface advertising and phone
applications to vehicle radios, mobiles, or stationary audio video
equipment, in addition to being a web base shopping network. The
interactive radio network 100 brings a new radio experience to cars
and places of living. It allows users to take charge of their
radios and to control various aspects of listening with added
visual graphics. The interactive radio network 100 connects radio
broadcast technology to mobile phones and other portable devices,
and allows listening and viewing programs in a new and expanded
format.
[0129] The interactive radio network 100 can also be added to an
existing or conventional radio system and cellular phone, by adding
an interactive radio network software or application, or by adding
hardware. Alternatively, the interactive radio network can be
connected using a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth or another
wireless protocol. Ultimately, the interactive radio network 100
could be used in most households or places of business, replacing
the conventional radio systems, and becoming a standard feature in
modern vehicles.
[0130] By providing the users of the interactive radio network 100
with a multitude of choices, they will no longer feel overwhelmed
with billboards that litter the roads and the desperate need to
look and read, taking the risk of driving unsafely. All the user
needs to do is to touch (or call out a `save screen` command) the
banner on the screen of his/her user station 105, in order to save
the selection for later viewing.
[0131] Data such as location, price, function, demonstration video,
menu, save, reservation, order, etc. can be obtained with a touch
of a button or with simple voice instruction commands. The user
will have his/her choice to decide whether to buy, book a
reservation, watch a demonstration, know the location and
directions, read or dial the phone number, in addition to other
functions made simple and user friendly. The user may also complete
a transaction using, for example, a safe credit account, or may buy
directly from the source.
[0132] The users of the interactive radio network 100 will also
take control of the radio stations they listen to, by seeing their
broadcast schedule, record, pause and playback according to their
needs. They can access International stations with a simple touch
that takes them anywhere in the world and listen to broadcasts that
would otherwise not be previously available in their geographical
areas.
[0133] Another feature of the interactive radio network 100 is the
ability to record conversation inside the car. This feature may be
integrated with the main menu where it shows a microphone button
1328 (FIG. 13A) that activates the microphone 310 (FIG. 3) either
via voice command or by pressing the microphone button 1328. Such a
selection will cause an external recording mode screen frame 1390
to appear on the user station 105, and to provide the user with
recording control buttons 1391, including a view recording history
button or key 1392.
[0134] The selection of the view recording history button 1392
causes the user station 105 to display a new view recordings
history frame 1394 (FIG. 13F) that shows a history 1395 of the
recordings. Each entry, i.e., 1396, of the history 1395 provides
the user with options, such as save to user's account 1397 or
download to an attached storage device, via for example, a USB,
firewire, etc. 1398. These options will enable the users to
dispense with their laptop computers or portable mobile phones for
the access of basic information.
[0135] The interactive radio network 100 enables distribution or
transfer of the stored messages or advertisements to other users on
a social network. The advent of hands free mobile phone laws also
makes the interactive radio network 100 a safe way to continue
operating the phone or text messaging, transporting and managing
data to the user station 105.
[0136] The interactive radio network 100 can also download and play
audio/videos banners or broadcast programs, for example, when the
vehicle is stationery and safely parked. The interactive radio
network 100 is provided with a voice command that makes it a
portable search engine.
[0137] The local DBA site 210 of the interactive radio network 100
will not only serve as a listening tool to the users wishing to
hear the various radio stations, but it will also act as a shopping
network for the advertisers. Another added feature is that the
interactive radio network 100 provides a news network that provides
news coverage through radio or television. The interactive radio
network 100 can also connect the live blogs and provides
international users coverage.
[0138] The interactive radio network 100 including the local DBA
site 210 provides a very high return per advertising dollar
compared to other media. As a result, the interactive radio network
100 allows advertisers anywhere in the world, and at any time, to
reach mobile audiences and to deliver a precise and clear message
for goods or services rendered, and immediate ability to purchase
the products or services.
[0139] The advertisers using the interactive radio network 100 can
now focus on any geographical area worldwide, and post
advertisements that are geared to a local market and to expand
coverage in any language on a county, state, country, or even
continent level. Advertisers will no longer have to incur the high
cost of standard highway billboard signs. It allows them to post
banner advertisements for a much longer period than the average
highway billboards or street signs that passersby may or may not
notice.
[0140] The local DBA site 210 is expected to reach a far larger
audience compared than stationary billboard signs on today's roads.
It can be present at all times and with no restrictions on any
roads. It requires no permit and is not concerned with size, weight
and height placed on sign construction by localities.
[0141] The local DBA site 210 provides wide access to information,
allowing an advertiser a unique opportunity to deliver a concise
and clear message to a widespread audience. The interactive radio
network 100 provides the advertiser with the opportunity to load
the local DBA site 210 with a refined message, video, audio, menu,
reservation, direction, phone number, and other options that
facilitates the consumption of a transaction or sale.
[0142] The advertisers of the interactive radio network 100 will
also have the option to display, on the user station 105, a video
commercial (message, graphics, etc.) that corresponds to the
advertisement heard on a particular radio station. As a result, the
video commercial and the audio advertisement can now be
synchronized, using for example, the exemplary tabulated schedules
illustrated in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10.
[0143] Another significant feature of the interactive radio network
100 is that a new advertiser will have a chance of exposure similar
to that advertiser's competitors. In essence, the interactive radio
network 100 advertisement creates an even playing field for the
small business operator to compete and realize his/her dream.
[0144] The interactive radio network 100 collects and offers data
relating to the user of the user stations 105, 110, such as the
number of listeners to radio stations and programs, and the number
of advertisements that are accessed, read, clicked, saved, and
enabling product/service consumption. Such data will prove quite
valuable to professional marketers, manufacturers, producers, and
advertisers.
[0145] The shopping network of the interactive radio network 100
will also expand the markets for the advertisers using the
interactive radio network 100.
[0146] A user can now access the interactive radio network 100 to
browse and shop for different products and services (collectively
referred to herein as "goods"). For example, the user can access
the advertised goods by clicking on the front page showing the mock
up monitor or screen frame, or by choosing different categories
displayed on the website. The goods that are advertised and offered
may or may not be part of the network broadcast. The user may
regress in time and/or geographical location, to search for a
particular advertisement/message seen on user station 105.
[0147] The user can access and read about the interactive radio
network 100 on a page titled `About` that spells out the idea,
purpose, and philosophy behind the interactive radio network 100.
The users and especially those users who are interested in
acquiring a license to use the interactive radio network 100, to
advertise their goods, will be able to access and contact the
interactive radio network 100, and acquire the necessary
personalized license.
[0148] For example, cellular telephone manufacturers can request or
download a preliminary agreement to install the interactive radio
network software on their cellular phones, which will enable their
customers to benefit from the interactive radio network functions.
The method of calculating fees paid to the interactive radio
network for the licensed use of this network, will be explained to
the users following the initial contact. The users must adhere to
the policies set forth by the interactive radio network 100.
[0149] Car manufacturers and marketers can request or download a
preliminary agreement, enabling them to install the interactive
radio network software on their built-in radio systems that will
enable their customers to benefit from the interactive radio
network functions.
[0150] Telephone utilities, such as telephone companies may apply
or request certain exclusive features such as coverage areas,
priority to display, unique method of displaying on monitors or
other features to be determined that will differ from standard
features.
[0151] Radio stations that are broadcasting in analogue format,
need to buy a license that allow their programs to be uploaded and
displayed on the interactive radio network 100 in digital format,
to the local DBA site 210 for the users to access. A third party
advertiser contract will need to be filled out with fees paid to
the interactive radio network 100. Radio stations need to buy the
proper interactive radio network software and maintain it by
periodically upgrading it. This software will allow them to upload
video and/or audio clips for display on the user stations 105, 110.
The broadcasting stations can decide on the desired areas of
coverage, times, lengths of the advertisements, and various other
functions.
[0152] Individual users of the interactive radio network 100,
include for example, cellular phone owners, equipment or software
owners in various forms, such as mobile or PC web access stationary
or on WIFI, car radio owners wishing to access the interactive
radio network functions, users wishing to upgrade when buying the
add-on devices in wireless or direct wire connections to their
existing radio system. Other users are able to make their existing
system compatible with the interactive radio network, by purchasing
a compatibility hardware and/or the software application.
[0153] Corporate and or individual advertisers may upload contents
and buy one or more local DBA site 210 slots or blocks of slots to
display their banners in various formats, such as JPEG, TIFF, or
any other available or known format, load the proper information
such as the `message` and the coordinates for GPS use. They may
elect to upload video and/or audio to the message. They may decide
to tie into certain radio stations to schedule and display
audio/video appearances simultaneously, during the ad broadcasted
on the radio.
[0154] Corporate and/or individual users may include the address
and telephone number on their advertisements in the local DBA site
210 blocks, the ability to make a reservation, or pay for goods and
services directly or through a third party payment center or
through a payment center controlled and operated by PayGio.TM., the
interactive radio network direct payment center.
[0155] The advertisers may also choose to advertise on the
interactive radio network 100 web site without being part of the
interactive radio network 100.
[0156] The products page or screen frame 2810 (FIG. 28) enables the
display of various products that are offered for purchase by the
users. For example, the interactive radio network software on
portable devices or PCs. This software will enable the users to
benefit from the various features of the interactive radio network
100. The interactive radio network software for users and
advertisers, and its related upgrades allows the users to play,
upload advertisements, and remain current on all the interactive
radio network 100 features.
[0157] The interactive radio network 100 add-on devices (e.g.,
monitors) will be available for purchase, for connection through
hardwire, or they could be plugged into an existing or conventional
radio. These add-on devices may be connected to a speaker access
plug that is built in the vehicle or in the stand-alone radio or
cellular phone, or any other equipment to allow the interactive
radio network features to be displayed on the user stations 105,
110 or monitors.
[0158] The interactive radio network 100 add-on in a wireless or
remote application can also be mounted near the car radio or on the
cellular phone or near any equipment capable of displaying the
interactive radio network 100.
[0159] The interactive radio network 100 offer a software or
application that allows users to access and browse through various
radio stations in any given area in the country or the world, and
choose stations to save or hear instantly or play previously
recorded sessions. This software allows recording on demand,
storing, play back, fast forward, and replay features. This
application allows the users to view, search saved messages and
advertisements on the users' computers.
[0160] The interactive radio network 100 subscription allows users
to maintain and upgrade various software on a flat fee basis paid
monthly or annually. Users can access the various desired software
and upgrades at any time for download.
[0161] The interactive radio network 100 also provides a users
social club membership, pursuant to which a user can join a
members' club, which allows them to share, chat, blog, and stay in
touch with current events, with the ability to tie in to other
social clubs, such as Facebook and Twitters. Users can post news on
the interactive radio network's news network, entertainment,
sports, and general articles. Members will be asked to pay a
certain membership fee to the interactive radio network 100 on a
monthly or annual basis.
[0162] The advertisers using the interactive radio network 100,
such as radio stations, marketing companies, or individual firms,
can become members of the interactive radio network 100
advertisers' club membership. The advertisers can advertise for
services, such as special packaging prices for the development of
the advertisements, maintenance and posting agreements with the
interactive radio network users. The advertisers may post news,
entertainment, sports, and general articles. Members may share
information, chat, blog, and stay in touch with current events.
Members will be asked to pay a certain membership fee to the
interactive radio network 100 on a monthly or annual basis.
[0163] The interactive radio network 100 also provides a radio
stations software that allows radio stations to buy slots on a time
grid provided by the interactive radio network 100 on its web sites
for their advertisers. The radio stations will need to log on the
local DBA site 210 and enter a password and make payment
arrangements depending on the size of the advertisements, the
amount of memory required for the advertisements, the time and the
frequency of appearance, and the length of each advertisement. This
software works on multiple inputs by radio stations, i.e., digital,
FM, or analogue. It also allows radio stations to choose signals
and coverage area. Other functions for this software is to allow
radio stations to synchronize video, audio, and graphics in the
advertisements to simultaneously play them when the radio stations
broadcast the original voice advertisements.
[0164] The interactive radio network 100 radio clock 3000 (FIG. 30)
is an actual receiver that is sold separately and can be portable,
mobile, or stationary. It has the monitor for viewing and has
multiple functions to play DVDs and to download data. It is
equipped with USB ports 3200 (FIG. 32) in addition to the other
functions in any conventional radio adapted to receive digital, FM,
or analogue signals. It may be upgraded to receive and process
analogue and digital TV/satellite signals, and allows allow the
user to listen and/or watch the broadcast schedules, and to record,
pause, and to playback stored programs. The interactive radio
network alarm/radio clock 3000 also possesses the features of a
conventional alarm clock and can be placed near the bed or any
other suitable location. It further includes all the has features
of user station 105, as described herein.
[0165] It is to be understood that the specific embodiments of the
invention that have been described are merely illustrative of
certain application of the principle of the present invention.
Numerous modifications may be made to the present system and method
described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Moreover, while the present invention is
described for illustration purpose only in relation to Internet
communications, it should also be clear that the invention is
applicable as well to documents and files shared electronically
over any type of electronic or wireless network. It should also be
clear that the present invention, including the applicable software
application, could be integrated with available devices or systems,
such as, for example only, Apple Computer, Inc.'s iPhones and
iPods. Furthermore, although the examples described herein
illustrate the visual radio advertisements as being broadcast or
transmitted concurrently with the radio programs, it should be
understood that the users may elect program the user stations 105
to show the advertisements exclusively, and to shut off the radio
function, and vice versa, the users may elect to the exclusive
enjoyment of the radio programs without the commercials.
* * * * *